Bystanders restrain suspect in assault

Man threatens rival with gun

An intoxicated Oxnard teen was arrested Sunday on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a loaded firearm and exhibiting a firearm in a threatening manner, Oxnard police said.

Filiberto Mata, 19, of Oxnard, was involved in a fight about 9:30 p.m. Sunday at a party in the 1300 block of Commercial Avenue in Oxnard, police said.

When police arrived, Mata was on the ground bleeding after having been detained by bystanders. Several bullets were strewn about his feet, police said.

Witnesses said Mata had pulled a small-caliber handgun from his waistband and pointed it at Leonel Madrigal, 26, of Oxnard. The two have had an ongoing feud, Oxnard Police Officer Edward Idukas said.

The gun apparently malfunctioned or Mata was too drunk to properly handle it, Idukas said. Instead, Mata ejected several rounds from the gun into the ground.

Madrigal wrestled the gun from Mata, who then reportedly pulled a knife. Madrigal also wrestled away the knife, but suffered a superficial cut to his hand, police said.

Once unarmed, Mata was restrained by a crowd of nearby residents who held him down until authorities arrived, police said.

While being detained, Mata suffered several contusions to his face and head, police said. He was treated for his injuries at Ventura County Medical Center, before being booked into Ventura County Jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a loaded firearm and drawing/exhibiting a firearm in a threatening manner. His bail was set at $25,000.

Madrigal did not require medical treatment for his injury, police said.